Six dead in suicide bomb attack

A suicide bomber detonated himself in a crowded market in eastern Afghanistan today, killing at least six people and wounding 40, a police official said.

The attack in the city of Gardez destroyed "many" shops, said provincial deputy chief of police Ghulam Dastagir. At least seven of the wounded were in critical condition, he said.

Dastagir said the attack did not appear to target Afghan soldiers, police or international military forces - unlike most violence in Afghanistan. He said the bomber appeared to be from Pakistan or Chechnya.